Where do HR leaders draw inspiration from? What are their worst nightmares? How did they stand the test of the changing times? In this segment, we will trace your journey to the top. This is your story - a story that is made of extraordinary accomplishments, methods that helped you overcome adversity, innovative programs that you led, and fundamental changes that you brought in. It's your chance to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Vinod Parur is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at RR Kabel. Vinod has more than 22 years of work experience and has worked with multifaceted industries like infrastructure, pharma, engineering and manufacturing companies. His functional core competencies are in the areas of strategic human resources planning, talent management and development, performance management, leadership development, training & development, assessment & certification, employee relations and EH&S Management.

In an exclusive interview with HR.com, Vinod touches upon his HR journey, learnings, challenges and future trends, among others.
 
Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What has your HR journey been like, and what influenced you the most to have a positive impact on your career?

Vinod: My career path has been enjoyable, rewarding, and full of opportunities for learning and development as well as memorable achievements. I have always been intrigued by the complex interactions between individuals and groups and the opportunities for mutual success that arise.
 

Realizing empathy's crucial role in HR has had the greatest positive impact on my career. I've been able to develop specialized solutions that help both employees and the business as a whole by having a thorough understanding of the capabilities and objectives of each individual. This strategy has boosted productivity and overall morale while also improving talent retention. Keeping up with market trends and best practices has also had a big impact. The HR landscape is dynamic, and new tools and methods are always being developed. I've been able to leverage these developments to improve HR processes and support business performance by remaining inquisitive and adaptable.

2. What were your challenges during the early days of your career? What are those today?

Vinod: I had certain difficulties at the beginning of my HR career, many of which proved to be instructive. One of the biggest challenges was applying the theoretical knowledge I had gained from my management studies to the complexities of real-world HR situations. As my team and I navigated the subtleties of employee interactions, recruitment processes, and compliance regulations, a steep learning curve was necessary to make the transition from HR concepts to practical application. Managing conflicting priorities was another challenge.

As HR professionals, we have to balance a variety of tasks, such as hiring, employee engagement programs, and compliance duties, while ensuring that each one of them receives the due attention. The ongoing requirement to stay current on dynamic employment rules, regulations, and industry trends is another key factor in today's HR landscape. A careful and decisive approach is required to ensure compliance while also promoting a healthy work environment. Driving effective employee engagement and retention methods in a workplace that is always evolving is also a challenge. For instance, the advent of hybrid work has made it necessary to relook at conventional engagement practices.

Q: How do you see workplace culture changing/evolving over the years/decade?

Vinod: We have seen significant changes in workplace culture over the past decade due to a convergence of demographic shifts, technological developments, and rising employee expectations. These changes have fundamentally changed how businesses engage with their workforces. The emergence of a more diverse and inclusive corporate culture has been one of the most obvious shifts.

The importance of creating an atmosphere where workers from all backgrounds feel appreciated and valued has been realized by organizations. This encourages innovation and creativity while also fostering a more peaceful and cooperative workplace. The advent of technology has also been a significant catalyst for change. With the proliferation of remote work and flexible arrangements, the concept of the traditional office has evolved. This shift has required organizations to prioritize effective communication, virtual collaboration, and maintaining a sense of connection among team members who may be geographically dispersed.

Q: Can you share the top three learnings from the challenges you faced?

Vinod: Facing adversities and challenges throughout my journey as an HR professional has been instrumental in shaping my perspective and approach. From these experiences, three key learnings have stood out:

Resilience in the Face of Change: Adversities have underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability. Navigating through uncertainties, such as organizational restructuring or market shifts, has taught me the significance of remaining steadfast while embracing change. This skill has not only fortified my own capabilities but also positioned me to guide employees and teams through similar transitions.

Empathy as a Catalyst: Difficult situations have highlighted the immense power of empathy. Whether dealing with employee grievances or managing conflicts, approaching each situation with empathy has consistently proven to catalyze positive outcomes. Recognizing and understanding the emotions and perspectives of those involved has helped build trust and fostered more collaborative solutions.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Each challenge presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. Whether it's streamlining processes after identifying inefficiencies or creating new people engagement strategies in response to disengagement, adversity has motivated me to think creatively and proactively. Adversities, in a sense, have become catalysts for positive change and opportunity.
 

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from? What do you have to say to those who are still struggling to find a place in the boardroom?

Vinod: As an HR professional, I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources. First and foremost, the people I meet motivate me to approach my job with empathy and a sincere desire to assist their development and well-being. Each of them has their own unique experiences and viewpoints. The shifting nature of the HR industry itself is another source of motivation for me.

The challenges and opportunities that present themselves always encourage me to grow, develop, and adapt. I am inspired to pursue greatness by witnessing how HR initiatives benefit organizations and employees alike. Additionally, my motivation is also derived from executives who show a dedication to creating inclusive and empowering work cultures. Observing how these leaders positively impact corporate culture and employee engagement inspires me in my own efforts.

Q: How do you draw the line to achieve work-life balance?

Vinod: Maintaining a work-life balance is integral to my effectiveness and well-being. I achieve this balance through effective time management, setting boundaries between work and personal life, taking regular breaks, and ensuring that I unplug from work-related matters during off-hours. I prioritize self-care activities and engage in sports, spending time with loved ones, and relaxation to recharge.

Adaptability is crucial; I adjust my schedule when needed while building a supportive network both in my professional and personal circles. By managing my time wisely, setting clear boundaries, and focusing on self-care, I ensure that I can excel in my role while also nurturing a fulfilling personal life

Q: What fundamental change(s) (in terms of culture) have you brought into your company?

Vinod: As an HR specialist, I have endeavored to make a significant positive impact on the company culture. Regular town hall meetings that promote inclusivity and transparency, have undergone a significant transformation. Additionally, I've implemented working practices that give employees a better work-life balance and increase engagement. Another distinguishing feature is a strong culture of lifelong learning, which is attained by implementing internal training initiatives and mentorship programs that empower employees to drive their own development.

My commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in our revised hiring practices and awareness campaigns, nurturing a more harmonious and respectful workplace. Revamping employee recognition and reward strategies has been a cornerstone of my efforts, building an atmosphere of appreciation that lifts spirits and fosters a sense of belonging. Collectively, these shifts have reframed our company's culture, spotlighting transparency, work-life harmony, progress, diversity, and employee appreciation. My ongoing priority is cultivating an environment where employees thrive, contributing both to their personal advancement and to the growth of the organization.

Q: What are the major changes you see affecting HR within the next few years?

Vinod: The years ahead will see a dramatic change in the HR sector as we have witnessed in the past too. Procedures will be streamlined by artificial intelligence and automation, improving hiring and strategic decision-making. Remote and flexible employment will continue, necessitating an emphasis on virtual collaboration and clear policies. The importance of employee well-being, which includes both mental and physical health, will rise. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts will increase to prioritize equality across the organization and change hiring practices.

Data analytics will play a key role in directing HR strategies for acquiring, engaging, and retaining talent. Due to shifting job positions, upskilling and reskilling will be crucial. To sum up, technology-driven efficiency, employee well-being, diversity, data insights, and continuous learning will be at the center of HR's evolution. For HR professionals, juggling these changes while putting people's needs first will be vital.

 
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